Publication
The outlook for M&A after the US elections
This update discusses M&A opportunities after exploring the pandemic-related challenges to be overcome in M&A dealmaking.
Corporate/M&A risks: What issues should companies be considering?
The impact of COVID-19, including its wide-ranging effect on “business-as-usual” activities, raises a number of issues for companies. Listed companies are having to consider their ongoing disclosure obligations and how to hold shareholder meetings, and all companies are reviewing the implications of the coronavirus for their financial position and performance, as well as their financial arrangements.
Directors need to be mindful of their duties to employees, shareholders and other stakeholders and, in the context of transactions, deal timetables are being impacted and termination rights and logistics reviewed. Companies are also undertaking supply chain diligence and reviewing contractual terms as part of the identification of potential areas of legal or regulatory risk.
Latest insights
Publication
UK: Some key considerations for potential target companies
While there is little doubt that the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has suppressed public M&A activity over the last few months, opportunities for investment in listed assets and the potential benefits of corporate consolidation and/or bolt on M&A arising from the uncertainty are likely to drive takeover activity in the second half of the year.
Publication
US: Private M&A drafting considerations in light of COVID-19
Parties to M&A agreements are grappling with increased risk and uncertainty in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Publication
UK: COVID-19: What might it mean for public M&A?
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges for businesses in all sectors, coupled with market upheaval and volatile share prices.
Publication
Global: COVID-19: Joint ventures in a distressed environment
This briefing looks at some of the challenges for existing corporate joint ventures as well as the key issues to be considered when entering into new joint venture arrangements whilst the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are felt and in the depressed market conditions which are likely to persist for the short to medium term.
Publication
Global: Three dimensions of adjustment to the new reality
COVID-19 has gone far beyond creating a temporary crisis.
Publication
Global: Transition faces pressure from oil crash and COVID-19
Until recently, the so-called Opec+ arrangement had successfully managed supply to keep the oil price up in the face of a global slow-down in demand, but within a matter of months all that has changed.
Publication
UK: COVID-19: Issues and emerging trends in private M&A transactions
In this Briefing we consider some of the areas of a privately negotiated M&A transaction which may be affected by the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update
The Netherlands: The COVID-19 outbreak and ROZ lease agreements for office space
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, many businesses find themselves confronted with a potentially significant decrease in turnover without a clear indication of when this crisis will be resolved. Consequently, companies are trying to limit their costs in these difficult times.
Publication
UK: COVID 19: FCA announces measures to assist listed companies in raising new share capital
On April 8, 2020 the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced a package of measures intended to assist companies to raise new share capital in response to the coronavirus crisis, whilst retaining an appropriate degree of investor protection.
Publication
US: It’s time to reconsider poison pill strategies
2020 has already seen a significant uptick in preemptive standard and NOL pill adoption.
Publication
Global: What’s on the horizon for insurance companies in 2020?
The following guide brings together summaries of the top legal concerns for the remainder of 2020 for insurers from a number of different regions.
Update
Investing into the UK: Issues for Asian investors
The recent measures introduced across Europe to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic have led to volatility in the public equity markets which exceed even that of the global financial crisis in 2008/9
Publication
US: We have a signed M&A deal, now what?
As COVID-19 continues, companies engaged in M&A transactions must overcome increased risk and uncertainties.
Publication
UK: Raising finance in challenging markets: Key considerations for corporates
The COVID-19 pandemic raises a range of issues for companies in all sectors, including the ability to access the finance necessary to maintain business operations during these challenging times.
Publication
US: Critical issues facing suppliers in the COVID-19 pandemic
Essential goods and services suppliers face unprecedented demand in an environment where exceptional safety measures need to be taken.
Publication
Liquidity programs for Canadian businesses
COVID-19’s impact on the economy is leading to liquidity concerns for many Canadian businesses.
Publication
UK: Impact of COVID-19 on AGMs: An update
In our briefing COVID-19: What does this mean for AGMs?, we considered a number of issues with which companies with December 31 year-ends have been grappling.
Publication
US: Tax relief measures of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act
The CARES Act contains a number of tax provisions intended to provide relief for individuals, families, and businesses facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Publication
(UPDATE) US: Small business loan options under the CARES Act
To manage the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government has enacted new legislation to provide emergency funding for businesses.
Publication
UK: Financial reporting issues – updated deadlines and guidance for companies
While capital markets rely on companies to provide timely and accurate information, and investors, shareholders and others rely on companies to provide financial reports that have been through a rigorous audit process, government and regulators in the UK recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic is creating huge challenges for both corporate reporting and audit processes.
Publication
The US EPA enforcement policy regarding COVID-19
The EPA will apply enforcement discretion for noncompliance: (i) during the period of the policy; (ii) that results from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update
UK: Construction sites and COVID-19
COVID-19 is having far reaching impacts on the construction industry’s supply chains, cash flows and workforces.
Publication
US: COVID-19 force majeure notices for US construction projects: What’s the value of a general notice?
Parties should cautiously utilize "general notices" of force majeure in construction contracts.
Publication
US: NY law on electronic signatures and notarizing documents
This update explores using electronic signatures under New York law and identifies important considerations when engaging in complex transactions.
Publication
US: SEC risk disclosure changes in light of COVID-19 and falling energy prices
What public companies should consider amid falling energy prices and SEC disclosure and risk mitigation.
Update
UK: COVID-19: Disclosure issues for UK listed companies under MAR
The COVID-19 pandemic is having wide ranging and deep effects on companies in all sectors. In this context, publicly traded companies need to consider their ongoing disclosure obligations.
Publication
Canadian securities regulators announce filing relief for issuers due to the coronavirus
In response to the mounting as COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis, the CSA announced it will provide blanket relief from certain regulatory filings required to be filed on or before June 1, 2020.
Update
US: US boards and the COVID-19 pandemic: Recommended steps for risk compliance
In light of the coronavirus outbreak, this update provides recommendations for US boards to comply with risk oversight.
Update
COVID-19: Considerations for UK corporates
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is having wide ranging and deep effects on the “business as usual” activities of all corporates. In this briefing, we focus on some examples of high-level legal considerations which the COVID-19 outbreak may drive.
Update
UK: (UPDATE) Legal considerations for UK boards
The COVID-19 pandemic poses immediate current and future challenges for UK businesses.
Contacts
Head of Corporate Knowledge, London
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